How would you like it if someone would just come to your house and enslave you. On October 12, 1492, Columbus saw the land and said, "I have claimed the island for Spain." He thought he was in the East Indies, but he was on a small island called the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the American Indians were there before him. Despite many evil deeds such as introducing new diseases to Native Americans and killing and enslaving Native Americans, Columbus Day should be a holiday because it brought about the Columbian Exchange and the beginning of European settlement in the Americas. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Columbus did a lot of good things, but sometimes to do good things like change the world, you have to do bad things. Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonist who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. However, some consider Columbus a villain because he introduced new diseases to Native Americans and killed and enslaved Native Americans. Furthermore, according to McGraw-Hill, the “Columbian Exchange introduced new plants and animals to the Americas”. This is why the Colombian exchange has shaped the economies and geography of cultures in our world today. And according to Joel Barlow (Doc C) Columbus “extended trade and civilization” before European maps included only Europe and Asia. Columbus wasn't perfect, he made many mistakes to get to where he is now, but it was necessary. Therefore, despite these evil deeds, Columbus is a hero because he brought the Columbian Stock Exchange and the beginning of European settlement in the Americas. According to McGraw-Hill, when Columbus came into contact with Europeans he introduced new diseases such as smallpox and other diseases, it hit the native populations extremely hard, more than 90% died. Diseases were also brought through the Columbian exchange, wiping out entire Native American populations along with the culture. According to Howard Zinn from 1494 to 1508 over three million people died due to war, slavery and mining. Columbus and the other Europeans who followed brought death and destruction to the natives. Despite many evil deeds such as introducing new diseases to Native Americans and killing and enslaving Native Americans, Columbus Day should be a holiday because it brought the Columbian exchange and the beginning of Europe. settlement in the Americas. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Columbus Day should be a holiday because it brought about the Columbian Exchange and the beginning of European settlement in the Americas. First, even as it introduced new diseases to Native Americans, the Columbian Exchange increased the biodiversity of both North America and Europe. Second, although it killed and enslaved Native Americans, it began European settlement in the Americas, which increased their wealth and expanded their influence on world affairs..